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Getting the Ring Shank Size Right

by Susan LeGuyader
Do you want to make rings, but struggle with getting the measurement of the ring shank wrong. Is there anything more frustrating than a ring shank too short? Too long is easy enough to fix, but you also stand the chance cutting too short.


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Instructions
There are many options for measuring ring shanks. There is the MATH option.

The formula for that is: inside diameter of ring size desired (in mm) + metal thickness (in mm) x pi (3.1416). If the ring band is wider than 4mm, add additional 0.5mm.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , measuring for a ring shank
Another option is a ring size chart.
Click here to download our Ring Size Chart
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , Ring Size Chart
For certain shapes of ring shanks, there are templates available online, some free and some are paid.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , ring shank templates
MY favorite way to measure for a ring shank is the Whaley Ring Gauge. This is an awesome tool and not very expensive.

There is an adjustment for thickness of metal and then a guide for what size of ring you want. The sizing is in whole sizes but it is fairly easy to get a half size.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , ring shank tool
My first step is using a miter vise to make certain that I have a flush end.

Then I measure the thickness of the metal on the gauge and lock it into place with the knob.

Place the wire on the gauge for sizing.

I then use a wooden ring clamp to hold both the wire and gauge in place. This also frees up one hand to position the assembled pieces for easier sawing.

At the base of the gauge is a slot for you to saw.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , flush the end of the wire
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , place the wire on the tool
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , place the wire on the gauge at the size needed
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , use a ring clamp to hold the wire
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , saw to size
I give myself a little bit of wiggle room to make sure I can both saw the wire and then put it in the miter vise to file the end flush.
Susan LeGuyader's Getting the Ring Shank Size Right - , General Education, , leave a little wiggle room at the end to gile the end smooth

Materials

No materials listed

Tools

WHALEY RING GAUGE
GAU-747.00
  • GAU-747.00
  • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
  • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
  • Price: $42.95
  • Gold Club Price: $32.21
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  • Category: General Education
  • Technique(s): General Education

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